Wilmer Escaray

Sabor Venezolano: Bringing the Flavor of Home to the World

For Wilmer Escaray, Managing Member of Sabor Venezolano, the business began with a universal desire: to build a new life. Inspired by the experience of arriving in a new country as immigrants, the founding team was driven by a need to create opportunities and jobs for their family.

But there was also a longing for home. “We deeply missed Venezuelan cuisine, which was not widely available here,” Escaray recalls.

They saw an opening to bridge that gap, bringing the authentic tastes of Venezuela to a new market. It didn’t take long for the community to respond. The moment they knew the venture would succeed wasn’t just about sales numbers; it was about the connection with their guests.

“We realized the business was going to succeed when we saw that people not only loved our food but also recognized the quality of our service.”

Reinvention Through Crisis

No hospitality business is immune to challenges, but the global shutdown of 2020 proved to be the ultimate test. For Sabor Venezolano, the COVID-19 pandemic was the hurdle that defined their modern identity.

“It was an unprecedented situation that forced us to reinvent ourselves,” says Escaray.

Rather than succumbing to the pressure, the team used the crisis to forge new strengths. The processes and operational strategies they developed during the pandemic didn’t just help them survive; they shaped who the company is today, making it stronger and more resilient than ever before.

A Solid Partnership

Expanding a restaurant group requires more than just great food; it requires capital and trust. To navigate their financial journey, Sabor Venezolano turned to Banesco USA.

“Banesco USA has provided essential financial support, helping us access the funding needed to grow,” Escaray notes.

In an industry where margins are tight and growth is capital-intensive, having a reliable financial ally is critical. Banesco USA became a solid partner for the restaurant group, providing the stability and resources necessary to scale their vision.

Driven by Discipline

What fuels the leader behind the brand? For Escaray, the motivation is deeply personal. It is the drive to work hard, move forward, and protect what the family has built over the years.

“My family is my biggest inspiration,” he says.

This dedication is backed by a philosophy of focus. If he could give advice to his younger self, it would be to value three specific traits: consistency, discipline, and perseverance.

“These qualities allow you to achieve in the short- or medium-term what many people believe requires a long time,” Escaray advises. “Time is invaluable in this country, and staying focused makes all the difference.”

A Global Vision

As Sabor Venezolano looks to the future, their ambition extends far beyond their current footprint. The goal is no longer just to provide jobs for the family, but to share their culture with the world.

“What excites me the most about the future is the opportunity to reach new cultures,” Escaray shares.

The roadmap ahead includes expanding into different cities and states across the U.S., with the ultimate goal of going international. “That is the vision we see for the future of our industry,” he says.